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Hey guys,
Looking for opinions on the two radios. keep in mind I use a HR2510 and love the receive and ASC. Want to preserve this radio so want to try something new without giving up too much. Opinions on both is welcome.
thanks

There is a couple of locals using the Lincoln II and they sound pretty good, one is a hammie and we went up to 10m and it was great, haven't seen a new 2950, like the old models though. My choice right now would be the Lincoln just because of size.

3's

Greg

"321, the Middle of Maryland"

23 AM "WORLDWIDE" 38 LSB

Strong Supporter of America's Original Homeland Security ActThe Second Amendment

I dont know about the Lincoln but my 2970N2 seems to have about the same ears as my HR2510 does and does great on SSB too. One the other hand the Lincoln is much smaller. I needed a more powerful 10M radio and the 2970N2 was a great fit for me, still love my 2510 but it was time to set her on the display shelf to preserve her. Many folks talk good about those Lincolns though.

CB: TRC-450, Imax@50'
Ham : Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-990 and FT-991, FT-8900
Ham Antennas: 700' and 258' wire loop, Maco shooting Star tuned for 10 Meter, 250' doublet, 8E 2M Quad-SSB, 4E 2M Quad-FM, 2M Copper Slim Jim 2M omni.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legal version of the first."
Thomas Jefferson.

The new Lincoln 2 ver. 3 seems to be a decent radio. We have a local that uses one and it sounds good on SSB. He says it has good rx and audio is clean and clear. RCI is supposed to be coming out with some new radios. Will have to see what they offer. Thought I saw one or two but could be mistaken.

thanks lost ram. I saw the new 400w rci cb looking rig. looks nice but tech **Non Sponsor** said ssb stability is an issue. no surprise. thank you both for the info you have shared. im hoping to keep the same ears and quiet noise blank that I enjoy on the 2510. the magnum 257hp that I am selling is torture in a mobile. too noisy for me. I wonder if the new Lincoln has same issue. I do like auto squelch on my 2510 and the Lincoln has it, but ive wanted a 2950 forever and the new dx3 reviews well. I have 200w to go with and will have ham ticket soon so 12m maybe be handy. a few locals have a 2950 as well.

I hope you find one that fits, I guess I have not see the new RCI radios yet. My 2970N2 does 200W, I got the radio already modded so I am not sure whats been done but word was it was done my sparky. I like my RCI's but it was hard to retire the 2510 but it was the right thing to do. The 2950 is much better priced for sure, I only bought mine because I got a great deal on it, so otherwise I would have had a 2950.

CB: TRC-450, Imax@50'
Ham : Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-990 and FT-991, FT-8900
Ham Antennas: 700' and 258' wire loop, Maco shooting Star tuned for 10 Meter, 250' doublet, 8E 2M Quad-SSB, 4E 2M Quad-FM, 2M Copper Slim Jim 2M omni.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legal version of the first."
Thomas Jefferson.

I love the Lincoln II. I don't know how they sound from another stations standpoint but I get good reports on AM and SSB. I have talked to a few members on this site using the Lincoln II and they gave good DX reports. Big Blue and Rabbit Ears I've talked to several times on the Lincoln II. Out of the 4 radios I've had in the past 2 years the Lincoln is way ahead of the others. I'd like to try the 2950 though.

The 4 pill RCI's do run hot but they handle the heat better than the 8 fet boards like in the N2. The B4 does have a slight issue on SSB with drift but only if they get good and hot. Also the 4 pill RCI will handle a not so perfect swr better than the fet boards. I like RCI personally and I'd recommend the 2950 with a 200 to 250 watt class AB or B amp that can take up to 45 watts pep. Great set-up that way. I run that type set-up in the mobile and if dx is rolling I can talk it. The Lincoln is a nice looking radio also but I haven't heard one myself so I really can't express an opinion of it.

I am not sure if the poster has ever Looked at the Magnum 257HP but I was HEAVILY considering this when I bought my RCI.

CB: TRC-450, Imax@50'
Ham : Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-990 and FT-991, FT-8900
Ham Antennas: 700' and 258' wire loop, Maco shooting Star tuned for 10 Meter, 250' doublet, 8E 2M Quad-SSB, 4E 2M Quad-FM, 2M Copper Slim Jim 2M omni.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legal version of the first."
Thomas Jefferson.

I've too used a magnum 257HP mobile and they just have a very sensitive rx. They aren't bad radios, but there are others that are better IMO. I Like the optima mk3 way better and that is what I use now. Has a great rx! And tx on SSB with an icom hm36 mic is great as well. Small radio, not a lot of bells or whistles, but it kicks butt! And the extra filtering it has on SSB is awesome! Best on any export I've used anyway. JMHO. Like others including myself have said is the Lincoln 2 is a great little radio. Good rx and tx. No power house, but enough to do the job. Add an external amp if more watts are needed. The 2970N2's are nice but I have heard they have had some QC issues as of late. Maybe a bad batch or something. It's what you intend to to do I guess. If you don't have room for an amp then get the 2970N2, if you have room get the Lincoln 2 and if needed a nice 2 pill amp. JMHO.

I had a 2950DXv2 for a couple of years and ran it normally..... IT DIED!! Contacted the folks at RCI, they were rather rude and explained that they were about 6-8 months behind on repairs. Rollover time would be about 6-8 months!

Well, I hope you all had better luck with the NEW RCI2950 (family) radios than I did. *Great, awesome, radios until they go BYE BYE*

I heard the village drums about the Lincoln II v3 They seem to be good all-around units.....and moddable for 11m.

The performance was very good on both TX and RX. Durability??? I dunno, they are so new... my buddy just got one about 6 months ago. He still LOVES it!! Crisp, LOUD, and crystal clear.

Hang loose,
Rabbit Ears

Read the Constitution.
FREEDOM and USA FOREVERSTAND UP FOR THE FLAG!!!

The Lincoln does look nice, and its small!!! Also seem like a lot of folks like it.

CB: TRC-450, Imax@50'
Ham : Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-990 and FT-991, FT-8900
Ham Antennas: 700' and 258' wire loop, Maco shooting Star tuned for 10 Meter, 250' doublet, 8E 2M Quad-SSB, 4E 2M Quad-FM, 2M Copper Slim Jim 2M omni.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legal version of the first."
Thomas Jefferson.

Same here rabbit ears about the local. Have one here that got one a few months back. Loves it. Used as a base, we are roughly 30-35 miles from each other and he uses it barefoot and it does a good job. Clean, clear audio on SSB. The true use of one and durability will be in the mobile! Unless something takes a mysterious dump it should last a while.

The Lincoln II is only $299.00 at GI Joes right now. I've bought two from them and they are a sponsor here. Very fast shipping and easy to get in contact with. I exchanged e-mails and phone calls prior to purchasing both of mine. Can't go wrong with GI Joes or the Lincoln II if that's what you end up getting.

dnguillory wrote:How ere the old 2950's? Pre-DX orange led face. Guy here in town selling one for $275. He is willing to take $200, but not sure if it is worth it. His price is as if its a rare gem.

It depends on it's condition and how many fingers have been inside, the only difference between it and the DX is it can't get 12m but unless your a ham that shouldn't matter. If it looks and sounds good that isn't a bad price. Look hard at the display for dark spots. One question to ask him is how long ago was the memory battery replaced, they are a pain in the xxx if it hasn't been done.

3's

Greg

"321, the Middle of Maryland"

23 AM "WORLDWIDE" 38 LSB

Strong Supporter of America's Original Homeland Security ActThe Second Amendment

I was thinking 150-175 too, I do think 200 is a bad price unless its like new in the box but, its got two years of use and its old as mentioned. As an example I got my 2970N2 for $275.00 and it was in great condition, so there are deals out there. At that price the Lincoln looks like a great DEAL.

CB: TRC-450, Imax@50'
Ham : Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-990 and FT-991, FT-8900
Ham Antennas: 700' and 258' wire loop, Maco shooting Star tuned for 10 Meter, 250' doublet, 8E 2M Quad-SSB, 4E 2M Quad-FM, 2M Copper Slim Jim 2M omni.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legal version of the first."
Thomas Jefferson.

dnguillory wrote:Greg, I will ask about battery. The guy bought new 10 years ago, said used for 2 years and been in closet for 8 in his house. I will be looking it over and hooking it up today before I buy.

It would be a little older than that, they stopped making them and replaced it with the DX in 2004 (I believe).

3's

Greg

"321, the Middle of Maryland"

23 AM "WORLDWIDE" 38 LSB

Strong Supporter of America's Original Homeland Security ActThe Second Amendment

dnguillory wrote:Greg, I will ask about battery. The guy bought new 10 years ago, said used for 2 years and been in closet for 8 in his house. I will be looking it over and hooking it up today before I buy.

It would be a little older than that, they stopped making them and replaced it with the DX in 2004 (I believe).

3's

Greg

If its used for 11M is the batt that big of a deal? What does it do when the battery is dead, does it not turn on from were it was left? I have never had one die so just wondering. If its not obvious I or someone may not now what to look for to see if its dead.

CB: TRC-450, Imax@50'
Ham : Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-990 and FT-991, FT-8900
Ham Antennas: 700' and 258' wire loop, Maco shooting Star tuned for 10 Meter, 250' doublet, 8E 2M Quad-SSB, 4E 2M Quad-FM, 2M Copper Slim Jim 2M omni.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legal version of the first."
Thomas Jefferson.

When the battery is dead, when you turn it on it displays 28.000.0 by default, you tune to 27mhz and turn it off, turn it on it's back to 28.000.0. You can find the instructions to replace the battery online.

3's

Greg

"321, the Middle of Maryland"

23 AM "WORLDWIDE" 38 LSB

Strong Supporter of America's Original Homeland Security ActThe Second Amendment

At TEN years old..... regardless of how much it has been USED.......... IT IS AN OLD RADIO. Offer the dude $140.00 take it or leave it.... electrolytic capacitors going south . LIES BE TOLD..... little white lies, and the question is......................... "Just why is he selling it???.

I buy old "classic" tube audio............. and the sellers want insane prices for their stuff . (sometimes "toasted-fried" relics).

Most of the time, people are cool.... be careful dude!

Read the Constitution.
FREEDOM and USA FOREVERSTAND UP FOR THE FLAG!!!

I'm not going to bash the guy, it could have been new in the box when he bought it, those things do happen but yes it is an old radio.
I think a radio is worth as much as you want to pay for it. Like I said before if it's in good to excellent condition, clear display, and the big thing, working, it worth that but remember I'm on the east coast, things here are a little higher then the rest of the country, excluding California.

3's

Greg

"321, the Middle of Maryland"

23 AM "WORLDWIDE" 38 LSB

Strong Supporter of America's Original Homeland Security ActThe Second Amendment

MDYoungblood wrote:When the battery is dead, when you turn it on it displays 28.000.0 by default, you tune to 27mhz and turn it off, turn it on it's back to 28.000.0. You can find the instructions to replace the battery online.

3's

Greg

I wondered if it that? Thanks for the info, I have never seen one with a dead battery so I was not sure. Thank you.

CB: TRC-450, Imax@50'
Ham : Yaesu FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-990 and FT-991, FT-8900
Ham Antennas: 700' and 258' wire loop, Maco shooting Star tuned for 10 Meter, 250' doublet, 8E 2M Quad-SSB, 4E 2M Quad-FM, 2M Copper Slim Jim 2M omni.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legal version of the first."
Thomas Jefferson.

dnguillory wrote:How ere the old 2950's? Pre-DX orange led face. Guy here in town selling one for $275. He is willing to take $200, but not sure if it is worth it. His price is as if its a rare gem.

It depends on it's condition and how many fingers have been inside, the only difference between it and the DX is it can't get 12m but unless your a ham that shouldn't matter. If it looks and sounds good that isn't a bad price. Look hard at the display for dark spots. One question to ask him is how long ago was the memory battery replaced, they are a pain in the xxx if it hasn't been done.

3's

Greg

I think there's more of a difference between the original 2950 vs the DX. If I recall correctly, the DX is a different board with surface mount technology, no memory battery, and is more stable. I had an original 2950 and didn't care for it. My current early DX model is a keeper though. I talk all over the place on it and get compliments about how it sounds quite often. The only thing I don't like about the 2950 series in general is how the s meter isn't labeled.

Ok guys, Update:
I went to the guy (practically a neighbor) and talked for a while. He had 3 trucks years ago and put a 2950 new in box in all 3 and one at office. They used them to talk around the area for work and he gave the guy who bought his trucks the radios and kept the one from the office. Was no longer in a truck daily and put that office radio in a closet 8 years ago. We pulled it out, I hooked it up in truck and it worked. The VFO is touchy and will jump a number or two (27.385 to 27.383 in stead of 27.384 with one click) but not in both directions and not all the time. Probably could replace or clean the switch/pot. Screen is clear, no scratches and all buttons and functions work and light up.
Turn unit off, and the typical low battery issues appear. I told him that I'd give $180 because battery change would cost me a little. We settled on that. It seems untouched. Limiter is intact, low key was 2w and high key was 10w. I lowered low key to 1w and made sure modulation was up. I used it during the day and got really good reports with stock mic(buttons work) and the receive worked as I expected it to...really good.
I had battery replaced yesterday for $20 and it is in wonderful working order. It works and sounds great on my Palomar elite 250 and I wired a 6pin-4pin adapter to work with my ranger sra-198 mic (adapter was magnum to cobra and had to move 123 and disconnect 5 to make it work on the ranger.

Anyway, all seems to be good and I appreciate everyone's input. Was a big help in deciding how to deal with it.
Thanks and 73's